Darts 501 - Terms and Meanings The centre of the board. (see also: "SINGLE-BULL" and "DOUBLE-BULL") Score of 50 BUST / BUSTED Hitting more than you needed in an x01 game. The darts do not count and the player begins his next turn on the same score he had prior to. C C In a Cricket game this refers to high scores base on the number of darts scored. For example a triple-20, single-20, single-20 would be called a C-5 because "5 darts" were scored with three darts. CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST Hitting treble 20, treble 1 and treble 5 in three darts (see "BREAKFAST") CHALKING Keeping score / marking the game. CHIPS A score of 26. (See also: "BREAKFAST /BED & BREAKFAST") CHUCKER A player who just "chucks" the darts at the board, doesn't aim or care.

CIRCLE IT When a player scores a single digit (less than 10) with three darts, his team-mates would shout out "Circle it!" to the scorekeeper to highlight the terrible throw. A variation on this tradition is to draw a fish around the score, often leading to aquarium-related jokes being aimed at particularly poor or unlucky players. CLOCK The dartboard itself, usually in the context of "ROUND THE CLOCK". CORK The centre of the board. This comes from the cork in the end of a keg where it is tapped. The ends of kegs were used for targets in the game's early days. D DARTITIS Name given to a mental state of a dart thrower unable to release his / her dart during a throw. DEVIL The treble-6, so called due to '666', and the fact that it is often hit in error when going for treble-13 or treble-10. DIDDLE FOR THE MIDDLE A throw to see who gets one dart closer to the bullseye to determine who throws first in the game. Also known as a "BULL OFF", "MIDDLE FOR MIDDLE" and "OUT FOR BULL".

DOUBLE The thin outer ring of the board. In standard x01 games, a double counts for two times the number hit. DOUBLE-BULL On dartboards configured with a bullseye consisting of two concentric circles, the outer circle is commonly green and worth 25 and the inner circle is commonly red and worth 50 points. Hitting the innermost ring of this type of bullseye is a "DOUBLE-BULL". (See also: "BULLSEYE") DOUBLE IN (DI) A variant of x01 in which a double is needed to start the game. DOUBLE OUT (DO) Hitting the double of a number to win a game of 'x01 DOUBLE TOP Not being able to hit the double needed to win the game. DOWNSTAIRS The lower portion of the board, usually in reference to the 19s in a game of x01. E A game that requires no special shot to begin scoring. FAT The largest portion of a number (the area between the double and triple ring) FEATHERS The 'feathers'/ Flights of the dart which makes the dart more aerodynamic FLIGHTS The "wings" at the end of a dart that make it fly straight.

Also known as feathers. G Advises all players that the match has now started GAME SHOT Signifies that the match winning double has been hit GOOD GROUP A compliment for tight, accurate throwing. GRAND SLAM Hitting the T5, T20 & T1 in one throw. GRANNY A lose without scoring, see SHUT OUT cricket game H HAIL MARY The third dart that miraculously scores a high treble where the first two combined scored low single numbers HAT TRICK A score of three bullseyes in a single throw. HIGH TON Scoring between 151-180 points in a game of '01 HOCKEY The throw or Toe line. See 'Oche' Oche is pronounced as Hockey I ISLAND The actual playable area of a dart board (inside the doubles ring). Missing this area entirely is sometimes referred to as "Off the island".

J K KILLER A game variant where a number of players "own" a number on the dartboard and compete to build up "lives" (by hitting that number) until a threshold is reached (usually 4 or 6) before attempting to "kill" other players by removing the lives they have built up (by hitting those other players' numbers) until a single player is left. L LEG One game of a match. Most professional matches are made up of a number of sets, each of which is split into legs. LEG SHOT Signifies that a player has completed (Won) the "leg" as per Game Shot. LIPSTICK Name given to the treble twenty made famous by Geordie darts commentator Sid Waddell LITTLE / SMALL The single bed between the bull and the triple LOW TON Scoring between 100-150 points in a game of '01 M MAD HOUSE The double-1.

At least two explanations for the term have been proffered; because it can drive you crazy trying to hit one in a game of x01, or because it impossible to "get out" of the mad house - once a player has a score of 2 the only way to finish the game is by hitting a double-1. MAXIMUM A score of 170 to end a game. treble-20, treble-20, inner bull MIDDLE FOR MIDDLE See "DIDDLE FOR THE MIDDLE". MONGER A person who deliberately scores many more points than needed to win the game cricket game not 501. Motown Scoring 44 finish i.e single 4 and double 20 (tops). It is a reference to the ' Four Tops' group that were associated with the Motown Music label MUGS AWAY Loser of the previous game goes first in the next game. N Another word for 1. See "Bucket of Nails" and "Bag of Nails". NOT OLD A score of 37 (usually by hitting a 20, a 5 and a 12).

The phrase is believed to have its origins in a Monty Python sketch. O The throw line you stand behind and to throw the darts. (pronounced 'Hockey') OUT FOR BULL The out scoring area of the centre bullseye- score of 25. P Least number of darts to win a leg of darts 501 - 9 darts PERFECT SCORE When a player scores a maximum 180 points in one throw of three darts. PERFECT FINISH When a player finishes a game with a maximum score of 170. This must be done by scoring treble 20, treble 20, double bull, with only three darts. This is considerably more difficult than hitting a perfect score as the player must break focus to change targets and it can only be done if the player has an exact score of 170 remaining. POINTS The point of the dart, steel tipped or plastic. Q When you throw a dart into the shaft of another. ROUND OF Terms Throwing three triples in one turn in Cricket. ROUTE 66 Scoring 66 points in a throw.

ROUND THE CLOCK Any of a number of game variants where players compete to be the first to hit all the segments on the board in an agreed order (usually numerical), finishing with the outer bull followed by the bull. In some versions hitting a double entitles the player to skip the next number, with a treble entitling the player to skip two numbers. Also commonly played by single players as a form of practice. S The part of a dart behind the barrel when the flights are mounted. SHANGHAI A score of a single, double and triple in the same number. "Shanghai" sometimes refers to a checkout of 120 (single, treble and double 20). In some games this is an automatic win i.e in a game of Shanghai. SHOOTER American terms for dart thrower SHUT OUT When you lose a game without ever scoring in it. SINGLE BULL On dartboards configured with a bullseye consisting of two concentric circles, the outer circle is commonly green and worth 25 and the inner circle is commonly red and worth 50 points. Hitting the outermost ring of this type of bullseye is a "SINGLE-BULL".

(See also: "BULLSEYE") SLOP /SLOPPY DARTS Darts that score, but not where you wanted them. (See also: "SPLASH") SPIDER or WEB The dartboard wire assembly which divides the scoring segments of the dartboard. SPLASH Darts that score, but not where you wanted them. (See also: "SLOP") SPLITTING THE 11 Throwing a dart between the digits of the 11 on the number ring. (Split double 1!) STACKER Dart landing on top and touching a previous dart thrown forming a stacked effect. STICKS STRAIGHT IN / SINGLE IN / STRAIGHT OFF A game that requires no special shot to begin scoring. STRAIGHT OUT / SINGLE OUT Ending a game of '01 without having to hit a double, but hitting the required i.e. ten required 10 hit not necessarily double 5 STRIKING OIL Hitting a double bull when "DIDDLING FOR THE MIDDLE" - comes from the black centre of some modern dart boards. T Three darts in the same number.

THROW LINE The line you stand behind and throw the darts from also known as the 'Oche' Line / Toe Line. TOE LINE The line you stand behind and throw the darts from also known as the 'Oche' Line / Throw Line. TON A score of 100 in a game of x01. TON PLUS Scoring 100+ points in a throw (Ton 40 would be 140 points) TOPS The double 20 bed. As in "he wants tops for the match". TRIPLE / TREBLE The thin inner ring of the board, it usually counts for three times the number hit. TROMBONES Scoring 76 points in a throw. TWO & SIX Scoring 26 points in a throw (Old English money term) TWO FAT LADIES Scoring 88 points in a throw. U Dart landing underneath and touching a previous dart thrown forming an 'under stacking' effect. UPSTAIRS The upper portion of the board, usually in reference to the 20s. V Dart Terms/Definitions Dart Terms/Definitions Below is a rather large list of dart terms both common and obscure.

I have compiled this list from a number of periodicals and from word-of-mouth. If you know of a term that is not listed, just email me and let me know. # Count/# Mark - The number of scoring darts in cricket (ie.

an 8 count/mark would be 2 triples and 1 double, a 5 count/mark could be 1 triple and 2 singles/two doubles and 1 single/1 triple and 1 double) Ace(s) - The double one in '01 Arrows - Slang for darts Bag O' Nuts - Scoring 45 points in a throw Barn Dart - The third dart of a throw that hits the target you were aiming at that the first two darts missed Barrel - The metal portion of the dart (where you grip the dart) Bed - A section of a number Bed & Breakfast - Scoring 26 points in one throw when hitting a single 20, a single 1 and a single 5 (a British term) Black Hat - Hitting 3 double bulls in one throw Black Dog - The double bull Bombs/Bombers - Very large or heavy darts Bones - When you have a double 1 left to win the game (usually displayed on the board with an 'X') Break - Winning a game when your opponent threw first.

Bull - The center most part of the board, the area is divided into two sections (the single & double bull) Bull Out - Winning a game with a double bull Bull Up - Throwing at the bull to decide which player will throw first Bust(ed) - Scoring too many points when trying to finish an '01 game Chalk(ing) - Keeping score Chips - Scoring 26 points in a throw A 'Classic' - Scoring 26 point in a throw by hitting a single 5, single 20 and a single 1 Cork (noun) - The bullseye Cork (verb) - closest to bull within scoring surface. used for determining the 1st player in a match. Cracked - Hitting a single when aiming at a double Dead - Describes hitting the exact amount required Diaper Dart - When a dart misses what it was aimed at and accidently scores well on another target.

Diddle for the Middle - Throwing at the bull to decide which player will throw first Dirty Darts - Derogatory slang for questionable tactics (like scoring excessive points in Cricket) Downstairs - The lower portion of the dartboard Double Bull/Cork - The center portion of the bullseye Double In (DI) - Hitting the double area of a number to start a game of '01 Double Out (DO) - Hitting the double of a number to win a game of '01 Double Top - The double 20 Dust - Dart lands outside the scoring area Eights - Slang for the 18s in Cricket Easy In/Out - Not having to hit a double to start a game of '01 (in) or having to hit one to end it (out) Fallout - Slang for hitting a scoring dart while missing the number you were throwing at (like hitting the 16 in Cricket when you were really aiming at the 19) Fat - The largest porting of a number (the area between the double and triple ring) Fives - Slang for the 15s in Cricket Flight - The 'feathers' of the dart which makes the dart more aerodynamic Freeze Rule - In team

 301 play (soft-tip), a player may go out and win only if their partners score is equal to or less than the combined scores of the opposing team.

It can apply to all team '01' games. Galed - Termed used when playing any dart game and being shutout of points. Game On - A call for silence at the start of the game Game Shot - The winning shot Good Group - A compliment for tight, accurate throwing Grand Slam - Hitting the T5, T20 & T1 in one throw (contributed by Derek Prather) Hail Mary - The third dart that miraculously scores a high treble where the first two combined scored low Happy Meal - A score of 69 Hattrick - Scoring all three darts of a turn in the bull High Ton - Scoring between 151-180 points in a game of '01 Hockey - The throw line Hummer Spot - The center most hole in the bullseye on a soft-tip board Leg - A game in a match, as "the best of five legs", in which each leg is an entire game Little/Small - The single bed between the bull and the triple Lizzard - In Wichita Ks. We call the double one out the lizzard out, if you hit it going out your team mates all chip in for a shot of you fav.

drink, and if you hit the highest lizzard out which is T20 T20 D1 you get a free shot for the rest of the season. (contributer did not leave a name) Low Ton - Scoring between 100-150 points in a game of '01 Madhouse - Double 1 or 1 double 1 to win a game of '01 Matador - A thrower that hits bulls.

:-) Mugs Away - The losers go first in the return game Nines - Slang for the 19s in Cricket Oche - The throw line (pronouced 'ockey') Patriot - hitting a needed trip or bull with your first dart Pie - Any of the numbered segments on the dartboard Point Mongering - Derogatory term for shooting excessive points, usually in Cricket Premature Projection - When you get excited and throw out of turn 'Right There' - Phrase used when a thrower just misses what he/she was aiming at (around here it's said quite sarcastically) Robin Hood - Sticking one dart into the back of another in the board Round - Any 3 dart turn Round of 9 - Throwing three triples in one turn Route 66 - Scoring 66 points in a throw Score Whore - Same as "Point Monger/Dirty Darts" Scud - Same as "Fallout" Sergeant - Used in the game of Rotation - scoring three successive numbers in the three darts of a throw to win a free turn Sevens - Slang for the 17s in Cricket Shaft - The portion of the dart that holds the flight Shanghai - Hitting a triple, double, and single of the

 same number in the same throw Shooting for the Cork/Bull - Throwing at the bull to decide which player will throw first Single In (SI) - Starting a game of '01 without having to hit a double first Single Out (SO) - Ending a game of '01 without having to hit a double Sixes - Slang for the 16s in Cricket Spider (Web) - The dartboard wire assembly which forms the beds Splash/Splashing - Throwing two darts at a time to determine partners before a game.

Both darts must score and that score is calculated. The people throwing the highest and lowest scores are partners, the next to highest and next to lowest are partners and so on. Splitting the 11 - Throwing a dart between the digits of the 11 on the number ring Straight Nine - Hitting the T20, T19 & T18 in the first turn of Cricket.

Straight On - Starting a game of '01 without having to hit a double Straight Off - Ending a game of '01 without having to hit a double Sunset Strip - Scoring 77 points in a throw Three in a Bed - Throwing all three darts in the same number Ton - Scoring 100 points in a throw Ton # - Scoring 100+ points in a throw (Ton 40 would be 140 points) Tops - The double 20 Trombones - Scoring 76 points in a throw Trophy Darts - A compliment for tight, accurate throwing Two & 6 - Scoring 26 points in a throw Two Fat Ladies - Scoring 88 points in a throw Upstairs - The upper portion of the board Wet Feet - Having 2 or 3 feet across the throwing line White Horse - Scoring three triples in Cricket (in some leagues, it has to be 3 different scoring triples) Wilson - missing all 3 darts in Cricket (a flatline) Wiring - Bouncing a dart off a wire Woody - Dart lands outside the scoring area Darts | Dartboard | Dartboards | Dart Flights Dart Flights Darts Glossary Choose A Letter

: ANNIE'S ROOM - The number One (1).

ARROWS - Another term for darts . ARCHER - Refers to a player who throws very quick smooth darts -B- BABY TON - A score of 95, usually by scoring five 19s. BAG O' NUTS - A score of 45. BARREL - The metal body of the darts where they are gripped. BASEMENT - The double-3. BOTTOM OF THE BOARD - The numbers on the bottom half of the dartboard . BOUNCE OUT - When a dart hits a wire on the board flush-on and bounces back off the dartboard . Can be potentially dangerous to spectators who are too close. BREAKFAST - (or BED 'N' BREAKFAST) A score of 26, made up of a single-5, single-20, single-1 in a game of x01. This is a common score in darts because players aiming for the 20 sector (which contains the highest scoring area on the dartboard ) will often accidentally hit the 1 and the 5 sectors, which are located on either side of the 20.

The term comes from the typical price of a bed-and-breakfast in times gone by: 2 shillings and sixpence, or "two and six". (See also "CHIPS") BUCKET/BAG OF NAILS - Landing all three darts in the 1s. BUCKSHOT - A throw when darts land wildly all over the dartboard . BULL-OFF - See DIDDLE FOR THE MIDDLE. BULLSEYE (or BULL) - The bull's eye, which has an Outer Bull and an Inner Bull. BUST - Hitting more than you needed in an x01 game. The darts do not count and the player begins his next turn on the same score he had prior to. -C- CRICKET - In a Cricket game this refers to high scores base on the number of darts scored. For example a triple-20, single-20, single-20 would be called a C-5 because "5 darts " were scored with three darts .

CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST - Hitting treble 20, treble 1 and treble 5 in three darts (see "BREAKFAST") CHIPS - A score of 26. (See also: "BREAKFAST") CHUCKER - A player who just "chucks" the darts at the board, doesn't aim or care. CIRCLE IT - When a player scores a single digit (less than 10) with three darts , his team-mates would shout out "Circle it!" to the scorekeeper to highlight the terrible throw. A variation on this tradition is to draw a fish around the score, often leading to aquarium-related jokes being aimed at particularly poor or unlucky players. CLOCK - The dartboard itself, usually in the context of "ROUND THE CLOCK". CORK - The center of the dartboard . This comes from the cork in the end of a keg where it is tapped. The ends of kegs were used for targets in the game's early days. COVER - A term frequently used by Sid Wadell, meaning aiming for treble 19.

-D- DAIRYLEA DARTS - A throw that is 'spread' around the board, named after the cheese spread Dairylea. DEVIL - The treble-6, so called due to '666', and the fact that it is often hit in error when going for treble-13 or treble-10. DIDDLE FOR THE MIDDLE - A throw to see who gets one dart closer to the bullseye to determine who throws first in the game. Also known as a "BULL OFF", "MIDDLE FOR MIDDLE" and "OUT FOR BULL". DOUBLE - The thin outer ring of the dartboard . In standard x01 games, a double counts for two times the number hit. DOUBLE-BULL - On dartboards configured with a bullseye consisting of two concentric circles, the outer circle is commonly green and worth 25 and the inner circle is commonly red and worth 50 points. Hitting the innermost ring of this type of bullseye is a "DOUBLE-BULL". (See also: "BULLSEYE") DOUBLE IN - A variant of x01 in which a double is needed to start the game.

DOUBLE TOP - The double 20. DOUBLE TROUBLE - Not being able to hit the double needed to win the game. DOWNSTAIRS - The lower portion of the dartboard , usually in reference to the 19s in a game of x01. -E- EASY IN - A game that requires no special shot to begin scoring. EDDIE SHUFFLE - The art of adjusting ones stance or position along the ockey in an attempt to circumnavigate a troublesome 'blocking' dart. Also referred to as The Milk Float. -F- FOGLE - A series of castaway darts thrown with no other purpose than to irritate opponents. FLIGHTS - The "feathers" of the dart that give it aerodynamic float. Also known as wings. -G- GAME ON - Advises all players that the match has now started GAME SHOT - Signifies that the match winning double has been hit GRANNY - A lose without scoring, see SHUT OUT -H- HAT TRICK - A score of three bullseyes. HIGH TON - A score greater than 150. HOCKEY - A raised 1 1/2" board used to mark the throwing line.

-I- INNING - A round of completed turns by both players, or a turn in a particular game that has innings, like Baseball or Shanghai. -L- LEG - A game in a match, as in "the best of five legs", in which each leg is an entire game. Or, in the game of Legs, a stripe on the dart board . -M- MAD HOUSE - The double-1. At least two explanations for the term have been proffered; because it can drive you crazy trying to hit one in a game of x01, or because it impossible to "get out" of the mad house - once a player has a score of 2 the only way to finish the game is by hitting a double-1. MAXIMUM - A score of 180 MAXIMUM CHECK-OUT - A score of 170 to end a game. treble-20, treble-20, inner bull MUGS AWAY - Loser of the previous game goes first in the next game. MURPHY - A score of single-5, single-20, single-1 in a game of x01. Based on Murphy's Law.

-N- NAIL - Another word for 1. See "Bucket of Nails" and "Ton of Nails". NINE DARTER - When a player completes a game of 501 in the minimum required nine- darts . This is a very rare event. There is usually a cash prize for professionals throwing a televised nine-darter. NOT OLD - A score of 37 (usually by hitting a 20, a 5 and a 12). The phrase is believed to have its origins in a Monty Python sketch. -O- OCHE - The line you stand behind and throw the darts from. -P- PERFECT SCORE - When a player scores a maximum 180 points in one throw of three darts . PERFECT FINISH - When a player finishes a game with a maximum score of 170. This must be done by scoring treble 20, treble 20, double bull, with only three darts . This is considerably more difficult than hitting a perfect score as the player must break focus to change targets and it can only be done if the player has an exact score of 170 remaining.

PIE - any of the numbered segments on the dartboard . POPCORN - When the darts land so close to each other, they knock their flights out. -R- REDEEMER - A dart , (often a T20) that "redeems" two previous poor efforts. RIGHT CHURCH - Term for hitting a double or triple, but the wrong number. Also known as "DADDY'S BED" ROBIN HOOD - When you shoot a dart into the shaft of another. ROUND OF NINE - Throwing three triples in one turn in Cricket. ROUND THE CLOCK - Any of a number of game variants where players compete to be the first to hit all the sectors on the dartboard in an agreed order (usually numerical), finishing with the outer bull followed by the bull. In some versions hitting a double entitles the player to skip the next number, with a treble entitling the player to skip two numbers. Also commonly played by single players as a form of practice. -S- SCROAT - A dart that is aimed for treble 20, but ends up in double 20. SET - A scoring method used in many tournaments.

SHAFT - The middle section of the darts that holds the Flight . SHANGHAI - A score of a single, double and triple in the same number. "Shanghai" sometimes refers to a checkout of 120 (single, treble and double 20, also as "Shanghai 20"). In some games this is an automatic win. This is also the name of a game. SHARKEY - A non-registered player who has to assume a false identity in order to fill in for an absent player in a league game, e.g. "due to poor turnout, The Arms had to use a Sharkey". SHUT OUT - When you lose a game without ever scoring in it. SINGLE BULL - On dartboards configured with a bullseye consisting of two concentric circles, the outer circle is commonly green and worth 25 and the inner circle is commonly red and worth 50 points. Hitting the outermost ring of this type of bullseye is a "SINGLE-BULL". (See also: "BULLSEYE") SKUNKED - When you lose a game without ever scoring in it.

SLOP - Darts that score, but not where you wanted them. SPIDER - The metal web that divides the dartboard into sections. SPLASH - Darts that score, but not where you wanted them. SPRAY 'N' PRAY - Darts thrown by an irate and less talented player, rather quickly STICKS - The darts themselves. STRAIGHT IN - A game that requires no special shot to begin scoring. STRIKING OIL - Hitting a double bull when 'diddling for the middle' - comes from the black centre of some modern dart boards . -T- THREE IN A BED - Three darts in the same triple of a number. i.e. three triple 20's 180! THROW LINE - The line you stand behind and throw the darts from. TOE LINE - The line you stand behind and throw the darts from. TON - A score of 100 in a game of x01. Scores over 100 would be called a "ton-whatever" for example, a ton-thirty would be a score of 130.

TON OF NAILS - A score of 5 where all three darts fell in the 1 bed with 1 dart in the treble 1. TOP BANANA - Double 20. Usually exclaimed after hitting this bed to win a match. TOP OF THE BOARD - The numbers on the top half of the dartboard . TOPS - The double 20 bed. As in "he wants tops for the match". TRIPLE/TREBLE - The thin inner ring of the dartboard , it usually counts for three times the number hit. -U- UPSTAIRS - The upper half of the dartboard -W- Glossary of darts Glossary of darts Advertisements: Use the search bar to look for terms in all glossaries, dictionaries, articles and other resources simultaneously ANNIE'S ROOM (or ANNIE'S HOUSE) The number 1. ARROWS Another term for darts. ARCHER Refers to a player who throws very quick smooth darts, like an archer's arrow (also known as a 'Derek'). Contrast "FLOATER". BABY TON A score of 95, usually by scoring five 19s.

BAG O' NUTS A score of 45. BARREL The part of a dart you grip, right behind the point. BASEMENT The double-3. BOUNCE OUT When a dart hits a wire on the board flush-on and bounces back off the board. Can be potentially dangerous to spectators who are too close. BREAKFAST (or BED 'N' BREAKFAST) A score of 26, made up of a single-5, single-20, single-1 in a game of x01. This is a common score in darts because players aiming for the 20 sector (which contains the highest scoring area on the board) will often accidentally hit the 1 and the 5 sectors, which are located on either side of the 20. The term comes from the typical price of a bed-and-breakfast in times gone by: 2 shillings and sixpence, or "two and six". (See also "CHIPS") BUCKET/BAG OF NAILS Landing all three darts in the 1s. This is also known as "The Eric Bristow", who once scored three 1s in televised tournament.

BUCKSHOT A throw when darts land wildly all over the board. BULL-OFF See DIDDLE FOR THE MIDDLE. BULLSEYE (or BULL) The center of the board. (see also: "SINGLE-BULL" and "DOUBLE-BULL") BUST Hitting more than you needed in an x01 game. The darts do not count and the player begins his next turn on the same score he had prior to. C [ top ] In a Cricket game this refers to high scores base on the number of darts scored. For example a triple-20, single-20, single-20 would be called a C-5 because "5 darts" were scored with three darts. CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST Hitting treble 20, treble 1 and treble 5 in three darts (see "BREAKFAST") CHIPS A score of 26. (See also: "BREAKFAST") CHUCKER A player who just "chucks" the darts at the board, doesn't aim or care.

CIRCLE IT When a player scores a single digit (less than 10) with three darts, his team-mates would shout out "Circle it!" to the scorekeeper to highlight the terrible throw. A variation on this tradition is to draw a fish around the score, often leading to aquarium-related jokes being aimed at particularly poor or unlucky players. CLOCK The dartboard itself, usually in the context of "ROUND THE CLOCK". CORK The center of the board. This comes from the cork in the end of a keg where it is tapped. The ends of kegs were used for targets in the game's early days. COVER A term frequently used by Sid Wadell, meaning aiming for treble 19. D [ top ] DADDY'S BED/DADDY'S/DADDY see "RIGHT CHURCH, WRONG PEW" DAIRYLEA DARTS A throw that is 'spread' around the board, named after the cheese spread Dairylea. DEVIL The treble-6, so called due to '666', and the fact that it is often hit in error when going for treble-13 or treble-10.

DIDDLE FOR THE MIDDLE A throw to see who gets one dart closer to the bullseye to determine who throws first in the game. Also known as a "BULL OFF", "MIDDLE FOR MIDDLE" and "OUT FOR BULL". DOUBLE The thin outer ring of the board. In standard x01 games, a double counts for two times the number hit. DOUBLE-BULL On dartboards configured with a bullseye consisting of two concentric circles, the outer circle is commonly green and worth 25 and the inner circle is commonly red and worth 50 points. Hitting the innermost ring of this type of bullseye is a "DOUBLE-BULL". (See also: "BULLSEYE") DOUBLE IN A variant of x01 in which a double is needed to start the game. DOUBLE TOP The double-20. DOUBLE TROUBLE Not being able to hit the double needed to win the game. DOWNSTAIRS The lower portion of the board, usually in reference to the 19s in a game of x01. E [ top ] EASY IN A game that requires no special shot to begin scoring.

EDDIE SHUFFLE (The) The art of adjusting ones stance or position along the ockey in an attempt to circumnavigate a troublesome 'blocking' dart. Also referred to as The Milk Float. FEATHERS The number 33. FOGLE A series of castaway darts thrown with no other purpose than to irritate opponents. FLIGHTS The "wings" at the end of a dart that make it fly straight. Also known as feathers. GAME ON Advises all players that the match has now started GAME SHOT Signifies that the match winning double has been hit GRANNY A lose without scoring, see SHUT OUT HAT TRICK A score of three bullseyes. HIGH TON A score greater than 150. HOT TODD-E Refers to a player who throws well despite intoxication. I [ top ] ISLAND The actual playable area of a dart board (inside the doubles ring). Missing this area entirely is sometimes referred to as "Off the island". ICHIGO-BYO In Japanese it means "Strawberry Disease" but taken apart it, the word strawberry: "ICHIGO" can mean 1 (ichi) and 5(go).

Japanese players use this term for when they aim at 20 but hit a 5 and a 1 along with the intended 20. It is equivalent to the English term "Breakfast". K [ top ] KILLER A game variant where a number of players "own" a number on the dartboard and compete to build up "lives" (by hitting that number) until a threshold is reached (usually 4 or 6) before attempting to "kill" other players by removing the lives they have built up (by hitting those other players' numbers) until a single player is left. L [ top ] LEG One game of a match. Most professional matches are made up of a number of sets, each of which is split into legs. LEG SHOT Signifies that a player has completed (Won) the "leg". M [ top ] MAD HOUSE The double-1. At least two explanations for the term have been proffered; because it can drive you crazy trying to hit one in a game of x01, or because it impossible to "get out" of the mad house - once a player has a score of 2 the only way to finish the game is by hitting a double-1.

MAXIMUM A score of 180 MAXIMUM CHECK-OUT A score of 170 to end a game. treble-20, treble-20, inner bull MCQUIGGINS GOLD An unorthadox finish to a game such as finishing 101 with (3,T20,D19), a cheeky (3,8,D20), perhaps even a 113 outshot with (17,T20,D18) or other less popular routes. Also referred to as Maverick play. MIDDLE FOR MIDDLE See "DIDDLE FOR THE MIDDLE". MONGER A person who deliberately scores many more points than needed to win the game. MUGS AWAY Loser of the previous game goes first in the next game. MURPHY A score of single-5, single-20, single-1 in a game of x01. Based on Murphy's Law. N [ top ] NAIL Another word for 1. See "Bucket of Nails" and "Ton of Nails". NINE DARTER When a player completes a game of 501 in the minimum required nine-darts. This is a very rare event.

There is usually a cash prize for professionals throwing a televised nine-darter. Main article: nine dart finish NOT OLD A score of 37 (usually by hitting a 20, a 5 and a 12). The phrase is believed to have its origins in a Monty Python sketch. OCHE The line you stand behind and throw the darts from. OUT FOR BULL See "DIDDLE FOR THE MIDDLE". P [ top ] PERFECT GAME See NINE DARTER PERFECT SCORE When a player scores a maximum 180 points in one throw of three darts. PERFECT FINISH When a player finishes a game with a maximum score of 170. This must be done by scoring treble 20, treble 20, double bull, with only three darts. This is considerably more difficult than hitting a perfect score as the player must break focus to change targets and it can only be done if the player has an exact score of 170 remaining. POPCORN When the darts land so close to each other, they knock their flights out.

R [ top ] REDEEMER A dart, (often a T20) that "redeems" two previous poor efforts. RIGHT CHURCH, WRONG PEW or RIGHT HOUSE, WRONG BED Term for hitting a double or triple, but the wrong number. Also known as "DADDY'S BED" ROBIN HOOD When you shoot a dart into the shaft of another. ROUND OF NINE Throwing three triples in one turn in Cricket. ROUND THE CLOCK Any of a number of game variants where players compete to be the first to hit all the sectors on the board in an agreed order (usually numerical), finishing with the outer bull followed by the bull. In some versions hitting a double entitles the player to skip the next number, with a treble entitling the player to skip two numbers. Also commonly played by single players as a form of practice. SCROAT A dart that is aimed for treble 20, but ends up in double 20. SET A scoring method used in many tournaments. SHAFT The part of a dart behind the barrel when the flights are mounted. SHANGHAI A score of a single, double and triple in the same number.

"Shanghai" sometimes refers to a checkout of 120 (single, treble and double 20, also as "Shanghai 20"). In some games this is an automatic win. This is also the name of a game. SHARKEY A non-registered player who has to assume a false identity in order to fill in for an absent player in a league game, e.g. "due to poor turnout, The Arms had to use a Sharkey". SHUT OUT When you lose a game without ever scoring in it. SINGLE BULL On dartboards configured with a bullseye consisting of two concentric circles, the outer circle is commonly green and worth 25 and the inner circle is commonly red and worth 50 points. Hitting the outermost ring of this type of bullseye is a "SINGLE-BULL". (See also: "BULLSEYE") SKUNKED When you lose a game without ever scoring in it. SLOP Darts that score, but not where you wanted them. (See also: "SPLASH") SPIDER The metal web that divides the dartboard into sections. SPLASH Darts that score, but not where you wanted them.

(See also: "SLOP") SPRAY 'N' PRAY Darts thrown by an irate and less talented player, rather quickly (See Kev Redhead) STICKS The darts themselves. STRAIGHT IN A game that requires no special shot to begin scoring (also "straight off"). STRIKING IRAQ Hitting a double bull when 'diddling for the middle'- comes from the Gulf War, when Iraq was being bombed, as Iraq has lots of oil. (See Striking Oil). STRIKING OIL Hitting a double bull when 'diddling for the middle' - comes from the black centre of some modern dart boards. T [ top ] THREE IN A BED Three darts in the same triple of a number. i.e. three triple 20's 180! THROW LINE The line you stand behind and throw the darts from. TOE LINE The line you stand behind and throw the darts from. TON A score of 100 in a game of x01. Scores over 100 would be called a "ton-whatever" for example, a ton-thirty would be a score of 130.

TON OF NAILS A score of 5 where all three darts fell in the 1 bed with 1 dart in the treble 1. TOP BANANA Double 20. Usually exclaimed after hitting this bed to win a match. TOPS The double 20 bed. As in "he wants tops for the match". TRIPLE/TREBLE The thin inner ring of the board, it usually counts for three times the number hit. BBC SPORT | Other Sport | World Darts 2004 | Board of brilliant versatility Board of brilliant versatility Pros play alternative games to help practice skills like hitting doubles The old darts saying of "trebles for show, doubles for dough" does not necessarily apply to everyone. While the world's best hit the treble 20s and double 16s with scholarly precision, many wannabe darters struggle round the board like delinquent first formers. Getting down from the traditional 501 starting point can feel like a marathon long before you've started the slog of peppering darts around a double. Slowly but surely you end up in the madhouse of double one with the wall behind looking like the top of a pepper pot.

If 501 is not your flight of fancy do not let darts tradition stop you from stepping up to the oche. The dartboard is highly adaptable. Are you? BBC Sport suggests some alternative games that can be played with three darts and a board. Round the clock An old classic which does exactly as it says on the tin. Starting on one, work your way numerically around the board ending at 20. In order to level the playing field, handicapping can be adopted whereby better players are limited to certain beds within the number. Shanghai Commentators come out with some rubbish, and shouts of 'Shanghai' in the salubrious surroundings of the Lakeside seem as apt as a Chinaman at a cricket match. But just like the jargon in cricket, it all makes sense to someone. Shanghai is the given name for hitting a single, double and treble of the same score and this game is a step up from round the clock. Starting with one, you go round the clock scoring points on each of the targets. When you land them all - Shanghai - you win, and if nobody has achieved the feat by the end of the game, the player with most points from the previous rounds wins.

If you fail to throw a dart in the numbered bed on your go you are eliminated. Killer A game for any number of people from two to 20 - the more the merrier - and one that helps players with double trouble. Having decided upon a starting order playing diddle the middle, closest to the bull, players throw left handed to determine their number to aim for. No two players can play the same number in one game. A player must hit his double to become a killer and can then start the business of taking lives from other players by scoring in their double. Players start with three lives and the winner is the last player left with a life. Cricket The game goes under various names, most commonly with the prefix Australian. But whereas the Aussies normally win the game of leather and willow, the arrow and oche version has the added advantage of potential handicapping to level the playing field. The 'batsman' needs to throw big scores to accumulate the runs and the 'bowler' needs to hit targets to claim wickets. In terms of runs, players select a minimum score and anything in excess of that mark is added to the total.

For example, if the run mark is 50, two 20s and an 18 (58) will score eight runs. The scoring mark can be either increased or reduced depending on ability, as can the size of the wicket target. Traditionally dismissals occur when the bowler lands a dart in the bull (two wickets) or outer bull (one wicket), although, again players can change, increase or reduce the target area and reward to suit ability. Mickey Mouse There are inumerable variations and names to one of the sport's most popular games. The problem is, it also happens to be the most complicated. First you need to set up a scoreboard with categories running from 20 down to 12 and doubles, trebles, bulls and beds. The object of the game is to close all the categories by landing in them three times in a throw and once that is achieved you can score points in them before your opponents also close the category. The winner is the first person to close all the categories and finish with the most points. Think it sounds simple? Try this tongue twister as an example.

A treble 20, 20, 20 could be taken as three 20s and two 20s or a treble 20 and two 20s. That's right. A treble 20 can count as three 20s or a treble, a bed is made when getting three darts in the same number on the same throw and an inner bull counts as two bulls or a double. It's enough to turn you to drink and a different double. While you're at the bar maybe the barman could explain the rules.

Question: What name is given to scoring a single, double and treble of the same number in three darts?
Answer: Shanghai